Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
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Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most prestigious art collections and cultural hubs. Five million annual visitors stroll the Met’s 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of gallery space, gazing upon pieces representing 5,000 years of art and human history. From Egyptian tombs to American abstract expressionist paintings, the museum’s permanent collection has more than 2 million objects, so expect to stay awhile.
The Basics
Valid for three consecutive days, basic Met tickets include access exhibits at the museum’s three branches: the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breuer, and the Met Cloisters. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and peruse the Met’s vast collection on your own, or see the highlights on a private tour with an expert guide. Skip-the-line tickets and VIP after-hours admission are also available for visitors who want to save time and escape the crowds. Similarly, travelers can choose an EmptyMet tour to visit before the museum opens and partner up with an art expert to enjoy an intimate view of the collection’s most famous exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fee-based audio tours are available in several languages.
- Food and drink, other than water in plastic bottles, are not allowed into the museum.
- There are eight onsite dining options, ranging from casual cafés and cafeterias to fine dining spots.
- Flash photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the museum.
- Luggage, carry-on bags, musical instruments, oversize backpacks, and other large items are not allowed in the museum and cannot be stored at the coat check.
How to Get There
Set back from Fifth Avenue on the eastern edge of Central Park in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the star attraction of Museum Mile. To get there, catch a Fifth Avenue bus or take the subway to 86th Street (4, 5, or 6 train); from the Upper West Side, take the M86 bus across the park and get off at Fifth Avenue.
When to Get There
The Met is open year-round and daily from 10am to 5:30pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Summer visitors can enjoy incredible views of Central Park from the rooftop café and bar, open May through October. In winter, the museum can be a cozy retreat from chilly weather. Weekends are the busiest time to visit, so visit on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. For a sophisticated evening treat, visit on Friday or Saturday night, when the Met serves cocktails and snacks with live music on the Great Hall Balcony Bar.
Met Museum Highlights
Since the Met opened to the public in 1880, its footprint has expanded to cover more than 2 million square feet (186,000 square meters). While there is something for everyone here, highlights include the collections of European paintings, classical antiquities, medieval armor, Islamic art and artifacts, and American decorative arts. Don’t miss masterpieces such as Canova’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Monet’s The Water Lily Pond, and Vincent van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses. The roof garden showcases a different temporary installation each year.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue, 10028, USA
Hours: Open Sun - Thurs 10am - 5:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 9pm
Admission: US$25 for adults
From $ 25
Nolita
Short for “North of Little Italy,” the name Nolita was coined in a 1996 article in The New York Times that aimed to label this then-newly trendy little area. Bordered by Houston Street (pronounced house-tun), the Bowery, Broome Street, and Lafayette Street, this Lower East Side neighborhood includes the famous Puck Building (at the corner of Houston and Lafayette) and the original St. Patrick’s Cathedral (at the triangular intersection of Mulberry, Mott and Prince Streets).
One of the smallest retail districts in the city, Nolita is light on green space and elbow room, but is nonetheless home to some of New York’s hippest restaurants and cafes, like Nolita House and Bowery Coffee, and shops, such as fashion boutiques Duncan Quinn and Creatures of Comfort, as well as independent bookseller McNally Jackson.
One of the smallest retail districts in the city, Nolita is light on green space and elbow room, but is nonetheless home to some of New York’s hippest restaurants and cafes, like Nolita House and Bowery Coffee, and shops, such as fashion boutiques Duncan Quinn and Creatures of Comfort, as well as independent bookseller McNally Jackson.
Address: USA
From $ 35
Majestic Theatre
New York City is known for its arts and culture and Midtown Manhattan is recognized as the hub for theatergoers who want to watch live performances of some of Broadway’s biggest shows. With 1645 seats the Majestic Theatre has served as the stage for some of the neighborhood’s most iconic shows including 42nd Street, as well as The Phantom of the Opera—the longest-running production in Broadway history.
Although travelers will need tickets to a show to actually check out the theater’s interior, visitors can still step inside the lobby and admire this Broadway gem from outside during a tour of Times Square.
Practical Info
The Majestic Theatre is located at 245 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. It is accessible using the ACE subway lines to 42nd Street/Times Square. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Address: 245 W 44th St, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 35
Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a history and art museum, created with the intention of ‘preserving and presenting’ the history of New York City — and its people. The museum celebrates New York, serving to educate the visiting public about the city’s distinctive character, its history of diversity, and its ever-changing nature. The building is a red-brick-and-marble neo-Georgian creation, completed in 1930 and located at the northern end of ‘Museum Mile’ on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is a private, non-profit organization, funded by New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group. The compact museum isn’t a big place, but manages to impart plenty of New York’s storied history in a personal way that many bigger museums don’t. Exhibits include ‘From Ship to Shore,’ which depicts what it was like for immigrants to arrive in New York Harbor. The exhibit ‘New York’s Yiddish Theater,’ takes you through the theater culture that formed on Manhattan’s Lower East side in the late 19th century and leaves a legacy today. ‘Gilded New York’ features the city’s visual culture at the end of the 19th century (when the rich loved to flaunt their money!). ‘Activist New York’ shows the intricacies of social activism on many different issues throughout history.
Practical Info
The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220-1227 Fifth Avenue, from East 103rd to 104th streets, across from Central Park in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. To get there by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M106 to 104th Street. By subway, the museum can be reached by taking the #6 Lexington Ave. train to 103rd St., or the #2 or #3 train to Central Park North/110th St.
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York 10029, USA
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adults, $14; Seniors and students, $10; Ages 19 and younger visit for free.
From $ 18
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The world's premier modern art gallery, MoMA provides visitors with a master class in modernist and contemporary art. The collection numbers more than 150,000 works of art, along with a sizable film and photography collection. Familiar standouts include Monet's water lilies and works by van Gogh, Rousseau, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Pollock, Andrew Wyeth, and Frida Kahlo.
Exhibitions are held from time to time, along with performance art and exhibits of architecture, prints, and illustrated books. The building was recently renovated to vastly expand the museum's exhibition space.
Getting There
The Museum of Modern Art is in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on W 53rd Street. The closest subway station is Fifth Avenue / 53rd Street.
Address: 11 W 53rd Street, 10019, USA
Hours: Wed - Mon 10:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: US$20 for adults
From $ 25
Manhattan Bridge
Connecting western Brooklyn with southeastern Manhattan, the Manhattan Bridge spans an impressive 6,855 feet across the East River. The suspension bridge allows for passage by vehicle, train, pedestrian, and bike. Construction on the historic bridge began at the turn of the century in 1901. Now it carries more than 450,00 people back and forth each day (the majority on public transport). It remains an icon of New York City, shown in numerous depictions of the city on film and television.
Its design was revolutionary at the time and served as a model for many of the long-span suspension bridges built after it. In 2009 the American Society of Civil Engineers named it a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. An arch and colonnade built to mark the bridge's entrance from Manhattan still stands as a city landmark. With its four-columned towers and long cables, it is particularly beautiful to behold as the sun is setting. A walk across it offers spectacular views of the city skyline.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Bridge runs between Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn and Canal Street in Chinatown, Manhattan. It is one of three toll-free bridges connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan. From Brooklyn you can enter at the intersection of Sands and Jay Street, and from Manhattan, at Forsyth and Canal Streets.
Address: South Street and FDR Drive, New York City, New York, USA, USA
Hours: 24/7
From $ 8
Madison Avenue
Fans of ‘Mad Men’ and will love exploring the iconic Madison Avenue, which is recognized across the world as the premiere address for top advertising and marketing firms. Though not a part of the first city street grid, it was later introduced as a one-way thoroughfare connecting Midtown Manhattan to Harlem.
In addition to being a hub of global business, Madison Avenue sits at the heart of New York City’s premiere retail market. Visitors looking for high-end fashion can shop designers like Roberto Cavalli, Chloe, Armani, Prada and more all in one place. But green spaces like Madison Square Park cater to visitors who want to relax under the shade of a towering tree or explore a number of museums, including the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art are also just blocks away.
It’s easy to explore the Madison Avenue sights on a self-guided walking tour, but themed options like the ‘Mad Men’ Cocktail Tour of New York City, guided shopping tours and hop-on hop-off bus routes provide a fun-filled way to see one of the Big Apple’s most iconic streets up close.
Practical Info
Madison Avenue runs north to south in the borough of Manhattan between Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and 142nd Street. It is easily accessible using public transportation along the 4, 5 or 6 lines as well as a number of bus routes.
Address: Madison Avenue, New York City, USA
From $ 30
Meatpacking District
New York City’s famous Meatpacking District is a 24-hour destination known for its fashion, culture, design and food. This neighborhood, located on the west side of Manhattan, spans approximately 20 square blocks and is popular for its nightlife and even its historical side.
The market-filled industrial center was once solely home to meatpacking plants, lumber yards and scores of open-air meat markets, and after an unseemly period during the 1980s when the area was a hotbed for scandal, a new transformation began. In the late 1990s, high-end boutiques and restaurants began opening, and the completion of the High Line Park in 2009 really set the Meatpacking District apart. And in May 2015, one of New York’s most well-respected art institutes, the Whitney Museum, opens its doors in the neighborhood.
Although the Meatpacking District has changed significantly over time, its historical past is still evident today. You can wander the cobblestone streets and find facades from former meat lockers, and there are even a few meatpackers still operating in the area. On the modern end of the spectrum, the swanky Gansevoort Hotel is a Meatpacking icon with its beautifully landscaped rooftop garden and expansive loft. Late-night restaurants and clubs also dominate, and spots like Cielo, with its reputation as one of the toughest clubs to enter in New York City, keep the hype alive.
Practical Info
The Meatpacking District runs roughly from West 14th Street south to Gansevoort Street and from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street. Some suggest it extends north to West 16th Street and further east than Hudson Street.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 30
Macy's Herald Square
Located at 151 West 34th Street, Macy’s Herald Square is the department brand’s flagship store. Since its opening in 1902 the flagship store in particular is advertised as the world’s largest department store, although according to the “Guinness Book of World Records” the title now belongs to Shinsegae’s store in South Korea’s Centum City, which is 5,487,595 square feet and over twice the size of Macy’s Herald Square. Even so, it is almost impossible not to find what you’re looking for in the department store, which showcases over 1 million square feet of merchandise over 10-and-a-half levels. Browse everything from cosmetics to apparel to housewares and beyond. In fact, the space is so expansive they have a Visitor Center on the 34th Street Balcony Level and restaurant located throughout. Additionally, Macy’s Herald Square can also help you become a better chef with their onsite cooking school, De Gustibus, which offers an array of classes and chef series. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, take a stroll past their storefront windows, which are decorated every year in intricate and festive displays.
To get to Macy’s Herald Square by subway, take the D, F, N, Q, R, B, M trains directly to Herald Square. You can also take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to the nearby Penn Station and walk down one Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square hours are generally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, 10am-9:30pm on Saturdays and 11am-8:30pm on Sundays.
To get to Macy’s Herald Square by subway, take the D, F, N, Q, R, B, M trains directly to Herald Square. You can also take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to the nearby Penn Station and walk down one Avenue. Macy’s Herald Square hours are generally 9am-9:30pm on weekdays, 10am-9:30pm on Saturdays and 11am-8:30pm on Sundays.
Address: USA
From $ 12
Manhattan Municipal Building
Manhattan has no shortage of towering buildings, but only a handful have architectural flourishes that set them apart and make their exteriors attractions in their own right. The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, right in the heart of lower Manhattan, is a skyline mainstay half a city block wide, 40 stories tall, and topped by the sparkling copper “Civic Fame” statue by Adolph A. Weinman. The building, covered in tan limestone, was completed in the mid 1910s and was the winning building design in an architectural contest hoping to unite many city employees under a single roof. Now more than a century later, the civic building remains one of the largest government office buildings in the world.
Ripe with symbolism, its center features four pinnacle turrets surrounding a massive central spire, which represent Manhattan and the surrounding four Burroughs of New York City. At it’s very top, the Civic Fame statue depicts a barefoot woman in a flowing dress holding a crown with five points for the five boroughs in her left hand.
After arriving at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Metro stop (the building was the first in the city to incorporate a stop at its base), visitors stream through the arcaded plaza on the building’s south end. Be sure to look up for the sculpture and relief details adorning the building’s exterior before walking through the huge triumphal arch—inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome—which once supported a steady stream of car traffic before road patterns were altered. Inside, admire the embellished elevator banks and historical photos on the lobby level or purchase books and souvenirs in the official store of the City of New York.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Municipal Building is located at 1 Centre Street and above the Brooklyn-Bridge City Hall Metro Stop servicing lines 4, 5, and 6. The building is a few blocks southwest of Manhattan’s Chinatown and under a mile northeast of the World Trade Center Memorial Park. The inside has free WiFi and workstations for visitors conducting business in the building.
Address: 1 Centre St., New York 10007, USA
From $ 35
Madison Square Garden
Billed as “the world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden—colloquially known as the Garden—has been a mecca of sports and entertainment for over half a century. Home to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, the Midtown Manhattan venue also regularly hosts wrestling and other sports events, concerts with world-renowned artists, and more.
The Basics
Madison Square Garden is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours or private driving tours of New York, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark. You can also spy it from the skies on a helicopter tour of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour included with a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass. The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long, so you can also get a ticket for a dose of competition or entertainment. Book event tickets on Ticketmaster—Madison Square Garden’s official online ticket platform—or at the box office, typically open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Madison Square Garden, especially tours of its inner workings, is ideal for sports fans.
- Tours are held daily from 9:30am to 3pm.
- Check MSG’s website for a list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.
- In addition to the main arena, Madison Square Garden also hosts the more intimate Hulu Theater, plus restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Collapsible strollers are welcome at events, so long as they fit under your seat.
- The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues.
How to Get There
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is just steps from Penn Station, which is serviced by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway, and New Jersey Transit or Long Island Railroad trains. You can also walk from the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway at 34th Street/Herald Square, which is just minutes away; if arriving from New Jersey, get off the PATH Train at 33rd Street. Madison Square Garden is also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.
When to Get There
Madison Square Garden hosts roughly 320 events per year, so there’s no bad time to visit to take in games, concerts, and other performances. The New York Knicks (basketball) and the New York Rangers (ice hockey) both typically play between October and April.
Madison Square Garden’s Most Famous Visitors
Since its opening in 1968, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists and celebrities. All genres of musicians—including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel, Madonna, U2, Taylor Swift, and Andrea Bocelli—have taken to its stage. The venue has even hosted Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. And every February, the Garden hosts two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competitions.
Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York City 10001, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Niagara Falls, New York
Overview
One of North America’s most majestic natural wonders, Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls—American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls—which plunge dramatically over the Niagara River. The falls straddle the border between Canada and the US with viewpoints and falls-themed attractions on both sides.
The Basics
The best way to experience Niagara Falls is on a boat ride. From the New York side, Maid of the Mist boat tours run day and night, when you can see the falls illuminated.
You can also experience the falls from the vantage points at Niagara Falls State Park, Goat Island, and the Hurricane Deck at Cave of the Winds. For a bird’s-eye perspective, venture to the observation deck of the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, or go even higher during a plane or helicopter flight tour over the falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maid of the Mist boat tours provide ponchos, though you may want to bring a waterproof cover to keep your phone dry.
- Some Niagara Falls tours from New York include free time at the falls.
- If you plan on visiting the Canadian side, be sure you bring all the required documentation for the border crossing and for re-entry.
- Maid of the Mist boats are fully wheelchair accessible, as is the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and the Niagara Falls Visitor Center. The Cave of the Winds offers only limited accessibility.
How to Get There
Amtrak trains and buses operate between New York City and Niagara Falls, though the journey takes seven to 10 hours. The quickest way to get there from NYC is to fly to Buffalo Airport, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the falls, and take a taxi or shuttle bus from there. Bus tours offer round-trip transportation to the falls from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and New York City.
When to Get There
Summer is the best time to visit Niagara Falls, with boat trips departing from late April/early May to late October/early November. On summer nights, witness the Niagara Falls fireworks displays.
Things to Do Nearby
If you’ve got some time, dust off your hiking boots for a jaunt along the scenic Niagara Gorge Trail. Stop by the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center for advice on trails to suit your fitness level and schedule. Other non-falls related attractions include the Niagara Aerospace Museum, the Niagara Wax Museum of History, and the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, where you can scour the stalls for bargain deals on brand-name goods.
Address: Niagara Falls, USA
From $ 147
Madison Square
Located in the Flatiron District, specifically at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street, Madison Square is one of New York’s most important and historical squares. This is where you’ll find iconic buildings like the Flatiron Building, One Madison Park and Metlife Tower, as well as the main focus of the square, Madison Square Park. The park runs from Broadway to Madison Avenue and East 23rd to East 26 St Streets, and is a great place to snap photos of the surrounding architecture, admire 19th-century statues and monuments and stroll through the 6.2 acres of tranquil green landscape. Fun fact: This was the original location of Madison Square Garden and a temporary display area for the Statue of Liberty’s right arm and torch from 1876 to 1882. Along with the green space, Madison Square is renowned for being one of the city’s best shopping areas, especially in terms of home design and housewares. To get to Madison Square by subway, take the N, R to 23rd Street; 6 to 23rd or 28th Street; F, M to 23rd.
Address: Broadway and Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA
From $ 50
Niagara Adventure Theater
This 314-seat theater offers a larger-than-life experience to travelers visiting Niagara Falls. Its 45-foot-tall screen brings the thundering waters of this epic destination inside and creates the sense of being surrounded by the falls (in climate-controlled comfort).
More than 14 million people have watched this 30-minute film, which showcases the beauty of the falls and describes its history—including the men and women who’ve attempted to cross it or go over it throughout the years. Gain a deeper understanding of what makes this international destination so unique before heading out into the open and getting an up close look in real life.
Practical Info
Shows take place every 45 minutes and complimentary headsets are available in French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean and German. A theater visit is included in the Discovery Pass.
Address: 1 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, New York 14303, USA
Hours: Shows take place every 45 minutes. Hours of operation depend on season.
Admission: Adults $12, Children 6-12 $8, 5 and under are free
From $ 25
Museum of Interesting Things
This traveling exhibit of old-school inventions and technological antiques is sure to inspire creativity and curiosity in the youth it seeks to engage. Perfect for the entire family, travelers will find a unique hands-on experience at the Museum of Interesting Things, where kids can get up close with artifacts from the past and travel back in time with their expert “guide” who offers up incredible detail, rich information and plenty of entertainment in the process. The Museum of Interesting Things makes history come alive through storytelling and interaction, making it the ideal stop for families who want to infuse their travel with a bit of learning. In addition to artifacts, exhibits often include 16mm film snippets and other visual highlights.
Practical Info
The Museum of Interesting Things will be at the Secret Speakeasy in New York City on November 22. Tickets are available for $10 the opening event at a SoHo loft located at 177 Prince Street.
Address: 177 Prince Street, New York, USA
Admission: $10
From $ 15
Madame Tussauds New York
New York City is home to some of the biggest celebrities and most famous faces—but a walk through Midtown doesn’t always result in getting star struck. Luckily the quirky Madame Tussauds—an iconic wax museum in the heart of Times Square—offers travelers the chance to check getting up close and personal with big names in music, movies and television off their list.
From world leaders to Hollywood stars, the halls of Madame Tussauds are filled to the brim with faces recognized across the globe. Travelers can saddle up for photo ops that will have friends back home believing that lunch with Leonardo DiCaprio really did happen on a visit to the Big Apple.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds is located at 234 West 42nd Street in Times Square. It’s accessible using the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R and 7 trains. Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year and tickets can be purchased online at a reduced rate.
Address: 234 West 42nd Street, New York, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
One of three main airports in the New York City area (the others being Newark and LaGuardia), John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is one of the most frequented transportation hubs on the east coast. It has six terminals (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8) and is the operations base for JetBlue and an international hub for Delta and American airlines.
The Basics
New York City traffic is nothing to joke about, so avoid the stress of navigating your own way to and from the airport by booking an airport transfer. Shared transfers by van offer pickup and drop-off at Manhattan hotels, while a private transfer by sedan or SUV provides a more luxurious and flexible experience with Brooklyn service options as well. It’s possible to book a skip-the-line airport transfer to avoid having to wait at the curb for your ride. For VIP transportation, there’s even a helicopter transfer from the airport to Lower Manhattan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Terminal 1 is international with airlines such as Air France, Cayman Airways, and Korean Air, while terminal 2 is Delta domestic.
- Terminal 4 is international with Asiana, Caribbean, Emirates, Delta, Singapore, SWISS, and Virgin Atlantic airlines. Terminal 5 is home to Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and a few international airlines.
- Terminal 7 houses British Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and other international airlines, while terminal 8 includes Alaska, American, and Cathay Pacific airlines.
- Travelers can take the AirTrain to the Federal Circle Station to pick up rental cars.
How to Get There
JFK Airport is is located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Midtown Manhattan and 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Park Slope in Brooklyn. Book a roundtrip transfer to get between the airport and areas in New York City such as Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Alternatively, JFK’s AirTrain connects to the NYC subway. Ride-sharing vehicles also operate at the airport at specific locations.
Address: Jamaica, New York City 11430, USA
From $ 49
Maid of the Mist Steamboat
You cannot get any closer to the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls than on a Maid of the Mist boat tour. The little steamboats have been chugging away into the falls' misty sprays since 1846, making this one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions. Be prepared to get up close and personal with the highest-flow-rate waterfall in the world—and to get wet, which is all part of the unforgettable Maid of the Mist experience.
The Basics
The Maid of the Mist tour departs from a calm part of the Niagara River in New York, on the American side near the international Rainbow Bridge. After cruising past the impressive American and Bridal Veil Falls, the boat plies into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of Horseshoe Falls (sometimes known as the Canadian Falls). Be sure to avail yourself of a complimentary blue rain poncho—everyone will get wet from the winds and the spray! Note that some tours departing from Canada also visit the American side and include a Maid of the Mist tour; visitors should have appropriate documentation to enter the United States and Canada.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s best to stay on deck for the whole trip; if you go below deck, you’ll miss the action.
- Boats depart every 15 minutes, weather permitting.
- The entire trip along the river and to the falls takes about 20 minutes.
- All boats are wheelchair accessible and feature free Wi-Fi.
- The Maid of the Mist operates exclusively from Niagara Falls, New York. If you are coming from the Canadian side of the falls, be sure to have proper documentation to enter the US.
How to Get There
The Maid of the Mist boat landing is located on Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York. Onsite parking is available near the Visitor Center. Nearby attractions include Clifton Hill sites, Journey Behind the Falls, and Bird Kingdom. All Maid of the Mist boat tours depart from New York, though some tours from the Canadian side include transportation to the boat’s departure point.
When to Get There
The boat tours run from April to October. The summer months are the busiest, so it’s best to schedule your Maid of the Mist ride in advance, and choose an early-morning cruise if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Best Views from the Maid of the Mist
When you board your Maid of the Mist boat, you’ll want to get into position for the best views—so head to the starboard side (the right side when facing the front of the boat), which comes closest to the falls. Once the boat departs the dock, it slowly approaches Horseshoe Falls, then it veers left and heads back to the dock. On its return journey, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the American Falls—and a veritable shower of mist from the powerful cascade. Most travelers head for the upper deck during the boat ride, but stellar views can also be seen from either end of the lower deck.
Address: 5920 River Road, Niagara Falls L2E 6V6, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Adults: CA$19.25
From $ 25
Manhattan Skyline
Perhaps the most common backdrop for opening scenes of movies for the past several decades, the Manhattan skyline is New York City's shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. From historical fixtures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center, the man-made masterpiece dazzles at any time of day and from any vantage point in the NYC area.
The Basics
From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace. For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
- The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about three miles (five kilometers).
- If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
- For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.
When to Get There
Consider the time of day for your viewing based on what you're looking for. If you want great photos, avoid the middle of the day, when the sun is high; for a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll. Go during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.
Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline
The 102-story Empire State Building is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet, built in 1931 in Art Deco style. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center offer more Art Deco examples, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature modern architecture.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 18
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Located at 36 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Opened in 1997, the mission of the museum is “to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust.” In their collection, the Museum of Jewish Heritage showcases over 25,000 items that are used to tell the story of Jewish history. The permanent Core Exhibition features multiple perspectives on Jewish history, life and culture through artifacts, audio testimonials, photographs and films that are separated into three sections: “Jewish Life A Century Ago,” “The War Against the Jews” and “Jewish Renewal.” Not only is the exhibition itself impressive, but also the six-sided building it resides in, which is symbolic of the Star of David as well as the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. As there is much to see in the museum, it is recommended to allow an average of two hours to explore the Core Exhibition.
Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.
Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.
Practical Info
The Museum of Jewish Heritage is open Monday, Tuesdays and Thursday
from 10am to 5:30pm, Wednesday from 10am to 8pm and Friday from 10am to
5pm. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students
and free for members and children 12 and under. Wednesday nights from
4pm to 8pm are free admission. To get to the museum by subway, take the
4, 5 to Bowling Green or the 1, N, R to Rector Street.
Address: 36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280, USA
Hours: Sun-Tue, Thu 10:00am - 5:45pm. Wed 10:00am - 8:00pm, Fri 10:00am - 5:00pm (Closes at 3:00pm through Mar 8th). closed Saturdays, Major Jewish Holidays, and Thanksgiving.
Admission: $12 Adults, $7 Students, Children 12 and under Free
From $ 12